Pastor Dan Kimball, like a number of next generation pastors, had been anti-building.  He, like many, saw it as a drain on resources that could be put to better use.  He has changed his tune and now is for them.

I respect this reasoning and think he may well be right but I have to disagree with his conclusion.  He states….

So, I have recanted from my earlier belief that buildings drain resources and create consumer Christians. I was wrong. Now I see them as missionary centers to impact lives for the gospel.  (Source)

Garden Grove Cathedral
Creative Commons License photo credit: Edgar Zuniga Jr.

I guess I would argue that too many of the new ones are still centers for the egos of pastors and leaders.  I would also argue that many buildings go unused and are not missionary centers.  I think that buildings can be a center for such activity…it is not a given.  And I still think that churches should looks at ways to have spaces that is cheaper then the old buy land and erect a structure approach.